The Red Mansion

Chapter 45: Confessing to the Emperor
Qingxi Book House is located in the northeast corner deep in Changchun Garden, hidden among a large area of ​​green bamboo, as if gently embraced by green clouds.

This place is nestled between mountains and water, surrounded by earthen hills like a screen. A gurgling stream flows around the house before merging into a small, emerald lake. Within the lake, lush lotus leaves, overlapping, form a canopy of green. Fish swim among the leaves, occasionally leaping out of the water, splashing ripples.

Before the study, several pine and cypress trees, their twisted and vigorous branches resembling leaping dragons, were planted by Emperor Jingning himself many years ago. Under the eaves hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Qingxi Study," written in vigorous handwriting by the Emperor himself. The furnishings within the room are simple and elegant.

During the reign of Emperor Jingning, Qingxi Study was his bedroom in Changchun Garden.

Emperor Jingning became the Empress Dowager. In addition to being his bedroom, Qingxi Study was also where he would sometimes handle government affairs.

However, while Emperor Jingning still held considerable power as the Retired Emperor, he found his duties at court much easier. This was thanks to his son, Emperor Taishun, who worked tirelessly, often sleeping only two or three hours a day, and was also filial and obedient. As the Retired Emperor, his life could be described as leisurely, spending only two or three hours daily on state affairs. He spent much more time enjoying pleasures: feasting, attending operas, composing poetry, fishing, playing with his children and grandchildren, and enjoying his sexual life... a far more comfortable existence than before his abdication.

At least so far, Emperor Jingning is very satisfied with Emperor Taishun. He believes that his abdication was correct and he has no regrets.

Today, Emperor Jingning and several elders from the royal family were fishing by the clear lake at Qingxi Book House. They also planned to put on a play in the afternoon and drink and listen to the play together.

The lake's surface was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. A gentle breeze blew, and the ripples shimmered like countless golden fragments. A few weeping willows lined the lakeside, their green silk threads gently caressing the water's surface.

The scenery is pleasant.

Emperor Jingning sat by the lake, holding a fishing rod, staring at the float with a focused expression.

Suddenly, the float sank suddenly, Emperor Jingning's wrist trembled slightly, and the fishing rod bent like a crescent moon.

"The fish has taken the bait!" A look of joy flashed across Emperor Jingning's eyes as he slowly reeled in the fishing line.

In a moment, a carp with silver scales and red tail broke out of the water, sparkling in the sun and throwing out strings of crystal water droplets.

Seeing this, several elderly members of the royal family quickly dropped their fishing rods and gathered around to flatter him.

"This fat carp must have become a spirit, it only cares about the dragon bait!"

"After all, he is the true dragon emperor. Even fish know how to ask for rewards!"

"This carp soup will be extremely delicious!"

"..."

The wrinkles in the corners of Emperor Jingning's eyes were filled with pride, and he laughed out loud, his laughter echoing on the lake.

Emperor Jingning did not allow others to do it, and personally threw the fat carp into the basket, scaring the other small fish in the basket and making them jump around.

As they were talking and laughing, they suddenly saw Emperor Taishun coming in hurriedly.

Several elders from the royal family hurriedly bowed and paid their respects, and Emperor Taishun hurried forward to support them.

Emperor Taishun then bowed to Emperor Jingning and said respectfully, "Father, I have an important matter that I must address in private."

Emperor Jingning understood and waved his hand to order everyone to retreat.

Several elders from the royal family and a group of eunuchs and guards all tactfully retreated.

Emperor Jingning sat down by the lake again to fish, and asked Emperor Taishun to sit beside him.

The lake was like a mirror, reflecting the figures of father and son. Emperor Jingning held his fishing rod, his eyes fixed on the float, while the voice of Emperor Taishun's memorial filled his ears.

Emperor Taishun recounted the entanglement between Jiang Nian and the Xue family and Wang Ziteng, and briefly mentioned the confrontation between Jiang Nian and Xue Pan in Jiangning City because he did not want to involve Tang Jina, the Jiangning Jiedushi who was a disciple of his.

After hearing this, Emperor Jingning frowned, and the float suddenly sank, but he was completely unaware.

As Emperor Taishun expected, Emperor Jingning turned and stared at him, asking, "What's the connection between that Jiang Nian and your Thirteenth Brother? How could he possibly ask your Thirteenth Brother to suppress Wang Ziteng?"

Emperor Taishun took a deep breath, his face filled with guilt, "Father, I am guilty."

Emperor Jingning was surprised: "What crime have you committed?"

Emperor Taishun said, "Jiang Nian...was born to me and a commoner woman in Jiangning over ten years ago."

As soon as these words were spoken, the fishing rod in Emperor Jingning's hand trembled slightly, and his eyes were as sharp as torches.

Emperor Taishun immediately recounted his story with Jiang Xuelian and Jiang Nian. He also explained that he had placed Jiang Xuelian and her son in Jiangning because he feared that Emperor Jingning would be displeased. However, he never ignored them and ensured their material needs. He also secretly sent He Yun and his wife to protect, care for, and monitor them.

Emperor Taishun thought that Emperor Jingning would be furious after hearing this, but contrary to his expectations, Emperor Jingning looked surprised but not angry.

At this moment, Emperor Jingning couldn't help but think of himself. He had always loved to travel. During his sixty-one years as emperor, he had frequently left the capital, including six trips south of the Yangtze River. He had also built himself palaces such as Changchun Garden and the Chengde Mountain Resort to escape the constraints and boredom of the palace.

Moreover, he had had many affairs with common women in his life, and he did not think that Emperor Taishun's behavior was a big mistake. The main reason was that he was very satisfied with Emperor Taishun, and since Emperor Taishun was already the Emperor of Daqing, he could not punish him easily, or even get angry with him easily.

However, Emperor Jingning still deliberately rebuked him: "You are really good at hiding things. You have kept this matter hidden for more than ten years and only reported it to me today."

Emperor Taishun hurriedly said, "I am guilty."

Emperor Jingning waved his hand and spoke in a gentle tone, "You are already the Emperor of Daqing, and today you have confessed this matter to me personally, so this matter cannot be considered a serious crime."

Emperor Taishun was pleasantly surprised and sighed, "Thirteenth brother's prediction was indeed correct!"

Emperor Jingning's gaze fell on the lake and he fell into deep thought, wondering how to deal with Wang Ziteng.

Ripples appeared on the surface of the lake, as if it was also in deep thought.

Since Jiang Nian is the son of Emperor Taishun, and therefore the grandson of Emperor Jingning, Wang Ziteng's crime this time is even more serious...

Emperor Jingning pondered for a while, unable to make up his mind, not knowing how to deal with Wang Ziteng. He then looked at Emperor Taishun and asked, "What does the emperor think of this matter?"

Emperor Taishun responded cautiously: "I personally believe that Wang Ziteng is unfit to be the general of the Western Expedition. As for whether he should continue to serve as the governor of the Beijing camp, I dare not speak rashly. I leave it to your majesty to decide."

He paused and continued, "The Xue family's position as imperial merchants should be dismissed. As for the soldiers who pushed Qin Ye to death, considering they acted on Wang Ziteng's orders and did not intentionally kill Qin Ye, they can be dismissed. Furthermore, Qin Ye has been an honest man his entire life, and his family is poor. Wang Ziteng should be ordered to pay the Qin family compensation."

In fact, what Emperor Taishun said now were all the suggestions of Prince Zhongyi.

Prince Zhongyi deliberately protected Ma Peicheng, a member of his own family, and did not propose to punish him. Having led troops in the army before, he understood the principle that military orders were as firm as a mountain. Although he considered the patrol officer from the Left Camp who had pushed Qin Ye to death detestable, his crime was not punishable by death. His dismissal was already a significant punishment, and he would no longer be able to enjoy public office.

(End of this chapter)